International Political Economy (Research)

Overview

The programme

The study of international political economy is the study of interactions between markets and politics; the influence of markets on politics and the influence of policy on markets. The Research stream in particular is designed as a preparation for future research work if you are entering the field from another related discipline, or if you wish to focus particularly on methodological training.

The core focus of the International Political Economy (Research) programme at London School of Economics and Political Science is international money and international finance, and there is a particular focus on the 2008 financial crisis, its causes and its consequences. Other central topics include international trade and investment, which looks at the drivers of market globalisation and factors which shape the flow of trade and investment, and the international political economy and the environment, specifically, what impedes a genuine agreement on climate change.

Alternatively, we offer the MSc International Political Economy programme, which has the same core course, International Political Economy, but does not entail a compulsory methodology course.

Careers

The programme has provided excellent prospects for early-career graduates seeking entry to graduate programmes at top global firms, as well as for experienced graduates looking to reposition themselves for more senior roles. We have alumni in banking and financial journalism and in major consulting companies such as Ernst & Young, as well as in a wide range of governmental and non-governmental organisations throughout the world. A good number of our graduates also continue on to research degrees and the academic profession.